Paul teaches about what happens to a Christian immediately after death. He compares our life now to living in a tent whereas our future home is permanent. To die is to be immediately in God’s presence. We are assured of this by the Holy Spirit in us.

Paul had received God’s mercy and had believed. Not all who hear respond. Some down grade Jesus as a good man or teacher. The real Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Paul experienced much trouble and persecution but counted it as nothing when compared to the future life after resurrection and in eternal life.

Paul explains that the old covenant has been replaced by the new covenant in Jesus. The Law of Moses with its rules and priesthood was given for that time and only for Jews. The new covenant is for all and is based on a new relationship with God as its foundation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul explains that the cross is foolish to those who do not believe. Jews look for signs and Greeks look for wisdom but God offers a relationship with Him that will transform them.

Paul teaches that church leadership was not like worldly leadership - it was one of servanthood. Paul was a spiritual father to the church at Corinth. He was very emotional at this point.

Paul speaks about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and that He gives gifts to individuals to use to build up the church. Some of the gifts are listed here.

This is the earliest recorded account of the resurrection of Jesus, given by Peter to Paul and now given by Paul to the Corinthian church to give them hope. These are the historical facts.

Having outlined the historical fact of the resurrection, Paul now explains the importsnce of the resurrection for the Christian faith and how those who are saved will also be raised back to life.

After encouraging the church to rejoice, Paul warns against the ‘Judaizers’ who want to add rules and regulations from the Old Testament to salvation.

Paul introduces the reality of spiritual warfare that every Christian faces together with the resources that God provides to fight against the enemy. Roman soldiers are guarding him and he uses their armour to explain these resources.